Bail refused for Auki bank robbery accused

A MAGISTRATE last Friday refused bail for two of the three men accused of robbing the Bank South Pacific branch in Auki, Malaita, last November. Principal Magistrate Jim Seuika having assessed the risks and all the relevant factors submitted, including the seriousness of the case, refused the bail application. “After considering submission made by Lazarus…

PM opens old wounds

Top leaders condemn govt’s $3m payout to ex-militants THREE top leaders who helped bring an end to the ethnic tensions more than a decade ago have condemned the Sogavare Government’s controversial $3 million payout to ex-MEF militants. Former Prime Minister Sir Alan Kemakeza and the chair and deputy chair of the Solomon Islands Intervention Taskforce,…

Diarrhea outbreak claims young lives

THE diarrhea outbreak has so far claimed the lives of six children in four provinces. Under-secretary of the Ministry of Health and Medical Service Dr Chris Becha revealed this yesterday. “Of the six deaths, two were recorded in Western Province, two in Malaita, one in Guadalcanal and one in Honiara,” Dr Becha said. Since the…

Famous radio announcer retires

FAMOUS radio announcer Bartholomew Basia has called it quits after serving 37 years with the national broadcaster, Solomon Island Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC). Well known as Bart Basia, and now in his early 60’s, Mr Basia started his career as a radio announcer with former Solomon Islands Broadcasting Service in the late 70’s. Mr Basia’s unique…

NTU deadline today

THE deadline for Form 7 students to hand in their academic transcripts to the National Training Unit (NTU) office at Panatina campus expires on Wednesday. This requirement is to allow the NTU to deliberate on the academic transcripts to be able to determine students’ academic potential for the awarding of scholarship to respective universities this…

Villagers end hostilities

VILLAGERS of East Makira settled their differences in a peace and reconciliation ceremony held at Nareke community on 2 January 2016. This followed an argument where two youths fought and one got admitted in Kirakira Hospital and later died the next day in April 2015. The families of the deceased retaliated and wanted to pay…

Taiwan ICDF scholarship now open for application

THE 2016 Taiwan ICDF Scholarship, a study grant provided by Taiwan International Cooperation Fund, is now open for international application until March 15. The 2016 Taiwan ICDF Scholarship comprises 31 programs for bachelor, master and Ph. D. degrees provided by 21 Taiwanese universities in study areas including tropical Agriculture, business administration, international studies, technology management,…

JFK’s heroic link to the Solomons

November saw the 52nd anniversary of the assassination, in 1963, of US president John F. Kennedy. Twenty years earlier, Kennedy, then a US Navy lieutenant, was in command of a torpedo patrol boat sunk by a Japanese destroyer in the Solomon Islands. Travel writer JOHN BORTHWICK looks back:  ‘DON’T mention the war,” shrilled John Cleese…

Police raid settlement

Kwaso, marijuana seized POLICE confiscate thousands of litres of kwaso and dozens of marijuana plants during a raid they conducted at Taba’a settlement in central Honiara, last Saturday. The police’s Christmas and New Years’ Special Operations Team carried out the raid. “The success of this operation is another significant symbol of the community working together…